Differentiation of stem cells in the dental follicle.

The dental follicle (DF) differentiates into the periodontal ligament. In addition, it may be the precursor of other cells of the periodontium, including osteoblasts and cementoblasts. We hypothesized that stem cells may be present in the DF and be capable of differentiating into cells of the periodontium. Stem cells were identified in the DF of the rat first mandibular molar by Hoechst staining, alkaline phosphatase staining, and expression of side-population stem cell markers. These cells were shown to be able to differentiate into osteoblasts/cementoblasts, adipocytes, and neurons. Treating the DF cell population with doxorubicin, followed by incubation in an adipogenesis medium, suggested that the adipocytes originated from stem cells. Thus, a possibly puripotent stem cell population is present in the rat DF.

Capsaicin vanilloid receptor-1 mediates substance P release in experimental pancreatitis.

We examined whether the capsaicin vanilloid receptor-1 (VR1) mediates substance P (SP) release from primary sensory neurons in experimental pancreatitis. Pancreatitis was achieved by 12 hourly injections of caerulein (50 microg/kg ip) in mice. One group received capsazepine (100 micromol/kg sc), a competitive VR1 antagonist, at 4-h intervals. Neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R) internalization in acinar cells, used as an index of endogenous SP release, was assessed by immunocytochemical quantification of NK1R endocytosis. The severity of pancreatitis was assessed by measurements of serum amylase, pancreatic myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and histological grading. Caerulein administration caused significant elevations in serum amylase and pancreatic MPO activity, produced histological evidence of pancreatitis, and caused a dramatic increase in NK1R endocytosis. Capsazepine treatment significantly reduced the level of NK1R endocytosis, and this was associated with similar reductions in pancreatic MPO activity and histological severity of pancreatitis. These results demonstrate that repeated caerulein stimulation causes experimental pancreatitis that is mediated in part by stimulation of VR1 on primary sensory neurons, resulting in endogenous SP release.

Inhibition of Na+/H+ exchange stimulates CCK secretion in STC-1 cells.

It has been demonstrated that K+ channel regulation of membrane potential is critical for control of CCK secretion. Because certain K+ channels are pH sensitive, it was postulated that pH affects K+ channel activity in the CCK-secreting cell line STC-1 and may participate in regulating CCK secretion. The present study examines the role of electroneutral Na+/H+ exchange on extracellular acidification and hormone secretion. Treatment of STC-1 cells with the amiloride analog ethylisopropyl amiloride (EIPA) to inhibit Na+/H+ exchange inhibited Na+-dependent H+ efflux and increased basal CCK secretion. Substituting choline for NaCl in the extracellular medium elevated basal intracellular Ca2+ concentration and stimulated CCK release. Stimulatory effects on hormone secretion were blocked by the L-type Ca2+ channel blocker diltiazem, indicating that secretion was dependent on the influx of extracellular Ca2+. To determine whether the effects of EIPA and Na+ depletion were due to membrane depolarization, we tested graded KCl concentrations. The ability of EIPA to increase CCK secretion was inhibited by depolarization induced by 10-50 mM KCl in the bath. Maneuvers to lower intracellular pH (pHi), including reducing extracellular pH (pHo) to 7.0 or treatment with sodium butyrate, significantly increased CCK secretion. To examine whether pH directly affects membrane K+ permeability, we measured outward currents carried by K+, using whole cell patch techniques. K+ current was significantly inhibited by lowering pHo to 7.0. These effects appear to be mediated through changes in pHi, because intracellular dialysis with acidic solutions nearly eliminated current activity. These results suggest that Na+/H+ exchange and membrane potential may be functionally linked, where inhibition of Na+/H+ exchange lowers pHi and depolarizes the membrane, perhaps through inhibition of pH-sensitive K+ channels. In turn, K+ channel closure and membrane depolarization open voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels, leading to an increase in cytosolic Ca2+ and CCK release. The effects of pHi on K+ channels may serve as a potent stimulus for hormone secretion, linking cell metabolism and secretory functions.

5-HT1A receptor activates Na+/H+ exchange in CHO-K1 cells through Gialpha2 and Gialpha3.

5-HT1A receptors couple to many signaling pathways in CHO-K1 cells through pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins. The purpose of this study was to determine which members of the Gi/o/z family mediate 5-HT1A receptor-activated Na+/H+ exchange as measured by microphysiometry of cell monolayers. The method was extensively validated, showing that proton efflux was sodium-dependent, inhibited by amiloride analogs, and activated by growth factors, phorbol ester, calcium ionophore, and hypertonic stress. 5-HT and the specific agonist (+/-)-8-hydroxy-2-(di-N-propylamino)tetralin hydrobromide rapidly stimulated proton efflux that was blocked by a specific receptor antagonist, amiloride analogs or pertussis toxin. The activation by 5-HT depended upon extracellular sodium and could be demonstrated under conditions of imposed intracellular acid load, as well as in the presence and absence of glycolytic substrate. Acceleration of proton efflux was not inhibited by sequestration of G protein betagamma-subunits, a maneuver that blocked 5-HT1A receptor activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase. Transfection of Gzalpha and pertussis toxin-resistant mutants of Goalpha and Gialpha1 did not reverse the blockade induced by pertussis toxin. In contrast, pertussis toxin-resistant mutants of Gialpha2 and Gialpha3 "rescued" the ability of 5-HT to increase proton efflux after pertussis toxin treatment. These experiments demonstrate clearly that Gialpha2 and Gialpha3 can specifically mediate rapid agonist-induced acceleration of Na+/H+ exchange.

Regulation of cholecystokinin secretion in STC-1 cells by nitric oxide.

In the present study we evaluated the effects of agents anticipated to change NO levels on the secretion of cholecystokinin (CCK) from STC-1 cells. After a 15-min treatment with the nitric oxide (NO) generating agent sodium nitroprusside (SNP; 10 microM), a 24% inhibition in basal CCK release and an increase in cellular guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) levels were noted. By contrast, SNP (10 microM) had no effect on CCK release stimulated by L-phenylalanine (20 mM). Inhibition of NO synthase (NOS) with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) produced dose-dependent stimulation in CCK release. L-NAME (100-400 microM) also inhibited ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels in cell-attached patches. Pretreatment of cells with disopyramide (200 microM), a KATP channel blocker, blocked L-NAME stimulation of CCK release. After inhibition of potassium channel activity by L-NAME, addition of the nonhydrolyzable cGMP analogue 8-bromo-cGMP (1-2 mM) reactivated potassium channels. NO-generating agents had no effect on channel activity in inside-out membrane patches. It is concluded that NO may serve as an important regulator of basal CCK release.

Differential regulation of receptor-stimulated cyclic adenosine monophosphate production by polyvalent cations in MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts.

Extracellular cations have paradoxical trophic and toxic effects on osteoblast function. In an effort to explain these divergent actions, we investigated in MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts if polyvalent cations differentially modulate the agonist-stimulated cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) pathway, an important regulator of osteoblastic function. We found that a panel of cations, including gadolinium, aluminum, calcium, and neomycin, inhibited prostaglandin E1 (PGE)-stimulated cAMP accumulation but paradoxically potentiated parathyroid hormone (PTH)-stimulated cAMP production. In contrast, these cations had no effect on forskolin- or cholera toxin-induced increases in cAMP, suggesting actions proximal to adenylate cyclase and possible modulation of receptor interactions with G proteins. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetated (PMA) mimicked the effects of cations on PGE1- and PTH-stimulated cAMP accumulation in MC3T3-E1 cells, respectively, diminishing and augmenting the responses. Moreover, down-regulation of protein kinase C (PKC) by overnight treatment with PMA prevented gadolinium (Gd3+) from attenuating PGE1- and enhancing PTH-stimulated cAMP production, indicating involvement of PKC-dependent pathways. Cations, however, activated signal transduction pathways not coupled to phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC), since there was no corresponding increase in inositol phosphate formation or intracellular calcium concentrations. In addition, pertussis toxin treatment failed to prevent Gd(3+)-mediated suppression of PGE1-stimulated cAMP, suggesting actions independent of Gm. Thus, polyvalent cations may either stimulate or inhibit hormone-mediated cAMP accumulation in osteoblasts. These differential actions provide a potential explanation for the paradoxical trophic and toxic effects of cations on osteoblast function that occur in vivo under different hormonal conditions.

Beta-adrenergic regulation of cholecystokinin secretion in STC-1 cells.

Previously, it has been shown that an increase in adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) levels stimulates intestinal secretion of cholecystokinin (CCK); however, the mechanisms for increasing intracellular cAMP levels are not known. Using the CCK-secreting intestinal cell line, STC-1, we evaluated whether beta-adrenergic receptors (beta-ARs) might be present on STC-1 cells and whether they stimulated CCK release through increases in cAMP. Photoaffinity labeling of beta-ARs from solubilized STC-1 cell membranes revealed photoincorporation of the agonist [125I]iodocyanopindolol into an approximately 75-kDa band. Addition of the beta-AR agonist, isoproterenol, in the presence of 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, produced a concentration-dependent increase in both cAMP levels and CCK release. Blockade of beta 1- and/or beta 2-ARs significantly inhibited isoproterenol-stimulated increases in cAMP production and CCK release. With the use of fura 2-loaded cells to measure changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), isoproterenol stimulation was found to increase cytosolic Ca2+ levels. To evaluate whether this increase in [Ca2+]i was due to release of Ca2+ or influx of Ca2+, cells were treated with the L-type calcium channel blocker, diltiazem, which inhibited isoproterenol-stimulated CCK secretion. Furthermore, in patch-clamp studies with inside-out membrane patches, addition of the catalytic subunit of protein kinase A activated diltiazem-sensitive Ca2+ channels. It is concluded that beta-ARs are present on STC-1 cells and are coupled to the production of cAMP, which may increase CCK release through a calcium-dependent process.

Swelling-induced chloride currents in neuroblastoma cells are calcium dependent.

The effects of osmotic stress on chloride (CI-) currents in the human neuroblastoma cell line CHP-100 were evaluated. Following exposure to hypoosmotic solution, an increase in whole-cell CI- current was observed. This current was blocked by the CI- channel blocker 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)-benzoic acid (NPPB). In cells loaded with the CI- permeability marker 125I, exposure to hypoosmotic solution increased 125I efflux by 197 +/- 14% (n = 41, p < 0.05) over controls. This increase was sensitive to NPPB. Hypoosmotic stress also increased cytosolic calcium levels (Ca2+) in fura-2-loaded cells. Pretreatment with EGTA inhibited the increase in cytosolic Ca2+, 125I efflux, and whole-cell CI- current produced by hypoosmotic solution. Antagonists of N-, L-, and T-type Ca2+ channels did not alter stimulation in 125I efflux or cytosolic Ca2+ levels during osmotic stress. However, omega-conotoxin MVIIC, a P-type Ca2+ channel blocker, inhibited hypoosmotically activated whole-cell CI- currents and increases in cytosolic Ca2+. It is concluded that a Ca(2+)-dependent change in CI- permeability is activated in CHP-100 cells in response to osmotic stress.

Age-dependent changes in beta-adrenergic receptor subtypes and adenylyl cyclase activation in adipocytes from Fischer 344 rats.

Epididymal adipocytes were isolated from Fischer 344 rats aged 3, 6, 12, and 24 months, to study the mechanisms responsible for age-dependent diminution in cellular adrenergic responsiveness. Messenger RNA (mRNA) levels for the beta 1-, beta 2-, and beta 3-adrenergic receptors (ARs) were compared across age groups and related to adenylyl cyclase activation by selective receptor agonists in adipocyte plasma membranes and activation of lipolysis in intact cells. mRNA levels for the beta 1-AR decreased by 60% between 3-6 months and remained at this reduced level through 12 and 24 months. A modest increase in beta 2-AR mRNA was noted between 3-12 months, but decreased between 12-24 months to levels seen in the 3-month-old group. mRNA for the beta 3-AR did not change between 3-6 months, but decreased by about 40% between 6-12 months, and by a further 50% between 12-24 months. Lipolytic responsiveness also diminished with age, and regardless of whether beta 3-selective or beta 1/beta 2-selective agonists were used, the maximal release of glycerol was most severely blunted in adipocytes from 24-month-old rats. The age-dependent changes in adenylyl cyclase activation by beta-adrenergic agonists mirrored the observed changes in lipolytic responsiveness with respect to diminished efficacy. These results together with the similar forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity among the groups suggest age-dependent changes in activation of adenylyl cyclase at a prior step. This suggestion is also supported by the comparable inhibitory capacities of the alpha 2-adrenergic and A1-adenosine signaling systems among the age groups. In view of the similar levels of Gs alpha, the age-dependent decrease in adrenergic responsiveness in rat adipocytes appears to result primarily from specific decreases in the expression of both beta 3-AR and beta 1-ARs.

Phenylalanine-stimulated secretion of cholecystokinin is calcium dependent.

The secretion of cholecystokinin was examined in STC-1 cells, an intestinal cholecystokinin (CCK)-secreting cell line. Exposure to the amino acid L-phenylalanine increased release of CCK by 135%, 180%, and 251% of control levels after 15-min treatments with 5, 20, and 50 mM phenylalanine, respectively. L-Phenylalanine-induced secretion of CCK was inhibited by the calcium channel blocker diltiazem (10 microM). L-Phenylalanine (20 mM) also significantly increased cytosolic calcium levels in fura 2-acetoxymethyl ester (fura 2-AM)-loaded cells, and this increase was diltiazem sensitive. D-Phenylalanine, over the dose range of 5-50 mM, produced nonsignificant increases in CCK release. Treatment of STC-1 cells with 300 ng/ml of pertussis toxin for either 4 or 24 h did not significantly affect either basal release of CCK or L-phenylalanine-stimulated secretion. Patch-clamp recordings from cell-attached membrane patches showed a stimulation in calcium channel activity after L-phenylalanine. These results indicate that, in STC-1 cells, L-phenylalanine stimulates release of cholecystokinin via a calcium-dependent process.

Regulation of cholecystokinin secretion by bombesin in STC-1 cells.

Bombesin stimulates cholecystokinin (CCK) secretion, presumably by a direct effect on the intestinal CCK cell. The present objectives were to characterize bombesin-stimulated CCK release and to investigate the role of calcium in CCK secretion in an intestinal CCK-producing cell line (STC-1). Bombesin caused a dose-dependent release of CCK, which was reduced either in the absence of extracellular calcium or by calcium channel blockade, suggesting that influx of calcium is necessary for CCK secretion. Bombesin caused an increase in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) and increased efflux of 45Ca2+ from 45Ca(2+)-loaded cells. Radioligand binding studies and Northern analysis were consistent with the expression of a bombesin receptor. Thus bombesin stimulation of CCK release occurs via binding to a receptor and is dependent on increased [Ca2+]i. We propose that the STC-1 cell line may provide a useful model for studying the regulation of intestinal CCK secretion.

Regulation of cholecystokinin secretion by ATP-sensitive potassium channels.

The relationship of potassium channel activity to the secretion of cholecystokinin (CCK) was evaluated in STC-1 cells, an intestinal CCK-secreting cell line. Patch-clamp and 86Rb efflux studies showed that an ATP-sensitive potassium channel was endogenously expressed in STC-1 cells. Furthermore, channels are present in sufficient number to significantly modulate whole cell potassium permeability after either channel activation or closure with diazoxide (100 microM) or disopyramide (200 microM), respectively. Inhibition of channel activity with glucose (5-20 mM) was found to depolarize the plasma membrane, increase cytosolic calcium levels, and stimulate CCK release. Glucose-mediated release of CCK, as well as the increase in cytosolic calcium, was inhibited by the calcium channel blocker diltiazem (10 microM). It is concluded that intestinal secretion of CCK may be tonically controlled by activity of basally active ATP-sensitive potassium channels, and after inhibition of channel activity, calcium-dependent CCK secretion is stimulated.

Regulation of cholecystokinin secretion by calcium-dependent calmodulin kinase II: differential effects of phenylalanine and cAMP.

The release of cholecystokinin was investigated in STC-1 cells, an intestinal cholecystokinin-secreting cell line. Fifteen minute incubation of cells with the amino acid, L-phenylalanine (20 mM), or the phosphodiesterase inhibitor, IBMX (100 microM), stimulated cholecystokinin secretion. Stimulation of secretion by both agents was associated with an increase in cytosolic calcium and was inhibited by the calcium channel blocker, diltiazem (10 microM). The calcium-calmodulin kinase II inhibitor, KN-65 (1.4 microM), markedly reduced IBMX-stimulated secretion, but had no effect on phenylalanine-mediated activity. KN-62 also inhibited IBMX-induced increases in cytosolic calcium, suggesting that cAMP may activate diltiazem-sensitive calcium channels by a calmodulin-dependent process.

Inhibitors of ATP-sensitive potassium channels stimulate intestinal cholecystokinin secretion.

Recently, a role for adenosine 5'-triphosphate(ATP)-sensitive potassium channels in the regulation of cholecystokinin (CCK) secretion has been described in STC-1 cells, an intestinal CCK-secreting cell line. To examine whether a similar mechanism might participate in the regulation of hormone secretion from native CCK cells, the effects of two established inhibitors of ATP-sensitive potassium channels (e.g. glucose, disopyramide) were examined on CCK release from dispersed murine intestinal cells. Both glucose and disopyramide were found to stimulate CCK secretion. Furthermore, CCK release induced by glucose was inhibited by the calcium channel blocker diltiazem. It is concluded that, ATP-sensitive potassium channels may play a role in the regulation of intestinal CCK secretion.

Separation and assay of phosphodiesterase isoforms in murine peritoneal macrophages using membrane matrix DEAE chromatography and [32P]cAMP.

Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDE) are a family of exquisitely regulated enzymes which play a central role in regulating the biological half-life of cAMP and cGMP. Hormonal regulation of specific isoforms is the basis for crosstalk and antagonism between several well-described signaling pathways. In the present work improved methods are described which accelerate and simplify the separation and assay of PDE isoforms occurring in mouse peritoneal macrophages. The described method is equally applicable to other cell and tissue types, and is based on the mobilization of DEAE beads on a macroporous support structure which allows high flow rates, high resolution, and reproducible separations. The failure of the resin to undergo compression in this configuration prevents band spreading caused by diffusion into small pores and channeling associated with bed movement. Therefore, the PDE isoforms from a tissue extract can be resolved in a chromatographic run taking only 30-35 min. In addition, the column cartridge can be regenerated and fully reequilibrated in 10-15 min. After each chromatographic run, cAMP PDE activity in the fractions is characterized by incubating each fraction with [32P]cAMP, followed by quantitative conversion of [32P]AMP formed in the initial reaction to 32PO4 and adenosine. The unreacted [32P]-cAMP is then adsorbed onto charcoal and after centrifugation, the 32PO4 remaining in the supernatant is determined by counting an aliquot. The latter step replaces the need to use small columns to separate tritiated cAMP from tritiated adenosine as in previous assays, and provides the expected improvement in sensitivity associated with a high specific activity substrate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Inhibition of prostaglandin E2-stimulated cAMP accumulation by lipopolysaccharide in murine peritoneal macrophages.

Treatment of murine peritoneal macrophages with 100 nM prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) produced a rapid biphasic increase in intracellular cAMP that was maximal at 1 min and sustained through 20 min. Pretreatment of macrophages with 100 ng/ml of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 60 min prior to PGE2 decreased the magnitude of cAMP elevation by 50%, accelerated the decrease of cAMP to basal levels, and abolished the sustained phase of cAMP elevation. The effect of LPS was concentration-dependent, with maximal effect at 10 ng/ml in cells incubated in the presence of 5% fetal calf serum and at 1 microgram/ml in the absence of fetal calf serum. LPS also inhibited cAMP accumulation in cells treated with 100 microM forskolin, but the decrease was about half that seen in cells treated with PGE2. LPS concentrations that inhibited cAMP accumulation produced a 30% increase in soluble low Km cAMP phosphodiesterase activity while having no effect on particulate phosphodiesterase activity. The nonspecific phosphodiesterase inhibitor, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, as well as the more specific inhibitors rolipram and Ro-20-1724 were effective in inhibiting soluble phosphodiesterase activity in vitro, producing synergistic elevation of cAMP in PGE2-treated cells, and blocking the ability of LPS to inhibit accumulation of cAMP. Separation of the phosphodiesterase isoforms in the soluble fraction by DEAE chromatography indicated that LPS activated a low Km cAMP phosphodiesterase. The enzyme(s) present in this peak could be activated 6-fold by cGMP and were potently inhibited by low micromolar concentrations of Ro-20-1724 and rolipram. Using both membranes from LPS-treated cells and membranes incubated with LPS, no decrease in adenylylcyclase activity could be attributed to LPS. Although effects of LPS on the rate of synthesis of cAMP cannot be excluded, the present evidence is most consistent with a role for phosphodiesterase activation in the inhibitory effects of LPS on cAMP accumulation in murine peritoneal macrophages.

Activation of the cAMP cascade inhibits an early event involved in murine macrophage Ia expression.

The ability of interferon-gamma (IFN gamma) to increase class II major histocompatibility complex (class II MHC) gene products in murine macrophages involves activation of Na+/H+ exchange (Prpic V., Yu, S. F., Figueiredo, F., Hollenbach, P. W., Gawdi, G., Herman, B., Uhing, R. J., and Adams, D. O. (1989) Science 244, 469-471). The ability of IFN gamma to increase class II MHC gene product expression is inhibited by a variety of agents. In the present studies, the involvement of cAMP-dependent protein kinase in modulating IFN gamma-induced expression of MHC gene products and the mechanism of regulation were assessed in macrophages treated with agents which activated cAMP-dependent protein kinase by different molecular mechanisms. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) produced a rapid (within 30 s) dose-dependent elevation of cAMP which was paralleled by the activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase. The elevation of cAMP by PGE2 was still evident at 1 h and maintained through a 4-h incubation. Concentrations of PGE2 which activated the protein kinase produced a dose-dependent inhibition of surface expression of I-A and transcription of class II MHC genes. Inhibition of IFN gamma-induced class II MHC gene product expression was also observed in macrophages treated with agents which activated cAMP-dependent protein kinase by postreceptor mechanisms. Dibutyryl-cAMP (0.01-1 mM), 25 microM forskolin, 0.1 micrograms/ml cholera toxin, and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (0.1-1 mM) each suppressed IFN gamma-induced cell surface I-A expression, class II MHC gene transcription, and 22Na+ influx. The results are consistent with the suggestion that activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase regulates an early transductional event initiated by IFN gamma, perhaps Na+/H+ exchange, which is involved in regulating transcription of class II MHC genes and their subsequent expression.

IFN-gamma potentiates the accumulation of diacylglycerol in murine macrophages.

Activation of mononuclear phagocytes for a variety of functional responses is potentiated by prior exposure to IFN-gamma. Inasmuch as protein kinase C has been suggested to mediate several of these responses, we have examined the effects of IFN-gamma exposure on subsequent accumulation of sn-1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG). Exposure of murine macrophages to IFN-gamma (greater than 4 h) results in an increase in basal DAG as well as potentiating DAG accumulation in response to the macrophage chemoattractant, platelet-activating factor (PAF). An increased DAG accumulation was similarly observed in response to PMA and ionomycin. Our results further indicate that the increased DAG accumulation during activation of macrophages is unlikely to involve alterations in phosphatidylinositol metabolism. PAF-stimulated production of [3H]inositol phosphates was not altered by the prior exposure of macrophages to IFN-gamma. Similarly, IFN-gamma did not potentiate the ability of PAF to cause an increase in cytosolic calcium. Our data indicate that phosphatidylcholine metabolism may be involved in IFN-gamma-regulated DAG accumulation. Exposure of [3H]choline-labeled macrophages to IFN-gamma resulted in an increase in the basal level of aqueous [3H]choline metabolites as well as potentiating the production of [3H]choline in response to PAF, PMA, and ionomycin. Our results thus suggest that the potentiated protein kinase C-mediated responses occurring during macrophage activation may be due to potentiated DAG accumulation independent of potentiated phosphatidylinositol metabolism.

Involvement of protein kinase C in platelet-activating factor-stimulated diacylglycerol accumulation in murine peritoneal macrophages.

Incubation of murine peritoneal macrophages with platelet-activating factor (PAF; 1-O-alkyl(C16 + C18)-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphorylcholine) results in the rapid accumulation of [3H]inositol phosphates and sn-1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG) and mobilization of intracellular calcium (Prpic, V., Uhing, R. J., Weiel, J. E., Jakoi, L., Gawdi, G., Herman, B., and Adams, D. O. (1988) J. Cell Biol. 107, 363-372). We have further investigated the relationship of phosphoinositide metabolism to accumulation of DAG and the possible involvement of protein kinase C in the accumulation of DAG in response to PAF. DAG accumulation proceeds at a slower rate than the accumulation of either [3H] inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate or total [3H]inositol phosphates. Accumulation of DAG from additional precursors is suggested from both an estimation of the mass of total inositol phosphates produced and the accumulation of [3H]choline in response in PAF. Down-regulation of protein kinase C by prolonged pretreatment with phorbol ester or inhibition of the enzyme with sphingosine inhibited the PAF-generated accumulation of DAG at 10 min by approximately 80%. Under the same conditions, no inhibition of PAF-stimulated generation of [3H]inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate was observed. Similar inhibition was observed when 10 microM ionomycin or 0.1 microM phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate were used to stimulate accumulation of DAG. The results suggest that PAF stimulates the accumulation of DAG from source other than phosphatidylinositol metabolism in peritoneal macrophages and that this occurs subsequent to the activation of protein kinase C.

Role of Na+/H+ exchange by interferon-gamma in enhanced expression of JE and I-A beta genes.

The rapid transductional sequences initiated by interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) on binding to its receptor regulate functional and genomic responses in many cells but are not well defined. Induction of macrophage activation is an example of such functional and genomic changes in response to IFN-gamma. Addition of IFN-gamma to murine macrophages, at activating concentrations, produced rapid (within 60 seconds) alkalinization of the cytosol and a concomitant, rapid influx of 22Na+. Amiloride inhibited the ion fluxes and the accumulation of specific messenger RNA for two genes induced by IFN-gamma (the early gene JE and the beta chain of the class II major histocompatibility complex gene I-A). The data indicate that IFN-gamma initiates rapid exchange of Na+ and H+ by means of the Na+/H+ antiporter and that these amiloride-sensitive ion fluxes are important to some of the genomic effects of IFN-gamma.